My food & drink job: Maddie Hills, marketing exec, Redefine Meat

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MaddieHillsMarketingExecutiveRedefineMeat

Name: Maddie Hills

Age: 23

Job title: Marketing executive

Company & location: Redefine Meat, London

Education: BSc Psychology at Oxford Brookes University

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Like many kids, my dream job shifted over time, but one thing stayed the same – it had to be creative. From photographer to even a food stylist, I didn’t mind what it was as long as I was making something.

I watched cooking shows religiously, had a personal collection of over 20 cookbooks by age 12, and would take my camera everywhere. Today, in my current role, I’ve had the chance to see food stylists in action and attend restaurant partner shoots, proof that those early passions were leading somewhere all along.

Why did you decide to go for a career in food & drink? I naturally fell into it, but I’m so glad I did. I’ve always been passionate about food, so working in this industry immediately made sense. Why wouldn’t you want to build a career around something you genuinely love?

“It’s been a bit of a zigzag, but every step has added something valuable”

Explain your job to us in a sentence (or two): I help bring Redefine Meat’s mission of revolutionising the food system with the best quality meat alternatives to life through campaigns, content, and comms that connect with consumers and trade partners alike.

Essentially, I translate our mission into moments that resonate.

What does a typical day look like for you? Everyone says no two days are the same, and it’s true. One day I might be planning content calendars, the next I’m on set for a photoshoot or prepping for a trade show. It’s fast-paced and constantly evolving, which keeps things exciting.

redefine meat

Tell us how you went about applying for your job: I originally applied for a marketing internship but was then interviewed for a sales internship instead. A few days later, I got a surprise call saying they wanted to bring me on in a full-time sales role.

From there, I progressed into an account manager position, which gave me a solid grounding in the commercial side of the business. Most recently, I was given the opportunity to sidestep into marketing, bringing it full circle from where I started. It’s been a bit of a zigzag, but every step has added something valuable.

What’s the best part about working for a food & drink company? Being with like-minded people that love food just as me, sharing our passions meaning new recipes and restaurants to try. Also, the Redefine BBQs and events we hold are a tasty bonus!

And what’s the biggest misconception people have about working in food & drink? That it’s all glamorous tastings and charcuterie boards. Behind every product and campaign is a huge amount of work, from strategy to execution.

At Redefine, we’re not just selling food, we’re challenging perceptions. And sometimes that means three-hour debates over sandwich photography or negotiating who gets the last burger sample.

What advice would you give to other young people looking to get into the food & drink industry? Be curious and open to trying new roles, even if they’re not your ‘dream job’ right away. This industry values passion and agility.

I have found that the more you learn, the more doors open. And be nice, this industry is smaller than you think.

What’s your ultimate career dream? To lead a brand that has a real impact on the world, whether that’s through sustainability, innovation, cultural influence, or even just creating something seriously delicious.

That said, I don’t believe in having just one career dream. Your goals evolve as you do. I want to keep growing, learning, and embracing new challenges that push me both creatively and professionally.